Careers in Auto Body

Auto body repair careers are growing at a faster than average rate, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. So the industry actively recruits future technicians.

“We realize there aren’t as many people coming into the trade as there used to be,” says Jim Champion of Charlie Graham Body & Service. “As a result, auto body repair is a booming field – one that consistently looks for new technicians to join its ranks.”

It’s why Champion speaks at local schools to get students interested in careers in auto body repair.

“We’re recruiting all the way down to the grade school level,” he says.

Education and training

Champion says that Metro Community College’s auto collision technology program is a great option for adults who want to start a new career. The school offers nine-month and two-year certificate degrees.

“Years ago, every school had shop classes, but that fell by the wayside,” he says. “Different school districts do still have shop classes, and the OPS career center is an excellent program.”